Person Biography:
Oleg Pavlovich Tabakov was a renowned Russian actor, director, and public figure, born on August 17, 1935, in Saratov, Russia, USSR. His parents, Pavel Kondratevich Tabakov and Maria Andreevna Berezovskaya, were medical doctors. After his parents' separation during World War II, Tabakov was raised by his single mother and grandmother.
Tabakov attended the all-boys school in Saratov and was active in the drama class. He studied acting at the Saratov House of Pioneers under Natalia Iosifivna Sukhostav from 1950-1953. In 1953, he moved to Moscow and entered the Moscow Art Theatre (MKhAT) School of Acting, graduating in 1957.
Tabakov made his film debut in 1956 and became a member of the Sovremennik Theatre, where he played leading roles in many productions. He was General Manager of Sovremennik from 1970-1976 and promoted Galina Volchek to Principal Director.
In the 1970s, Tabakov began teaching at his master-class, and many of his students became successful professionals in the film and theatre industry. He also taught at various international institutions, including the Paris Conservatoire, the British American Drama Academy, and Harvard University.
Tabakov was a strong supporter of democratic reforms and freedom in Russia during the 1990s. He was involved in many public events and was a leading proponent of cultural reforms. He became the Artistic Director of the Moscow Art Theatre named after A. Chekhov in 2000 and led the "Tabakerka" Theatre.
Tabakov was married twice and had three children. He was awarded numerous national and international awards and decorations, including the USSR State Prize for the Arts, the Russian State Prize for the Arts, and the Order of Merit of Fatherland II degree. He passed away on March 12, 2018, at the age of 82.
